aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	1st Americans
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Beginning a Lesson on the 1st Americans

Lesson Introduction: "Echoes of the Ancestors"

Objective

Engage Year 7 students with the fascinating history of the First Americans through an interactive storytelling approach that will spark their curiosity and encourage exploration of their cultural heritage.

Materials Needed

• A large world map or globe
• Markers or sticky notes
• A selection of images representing various First American cultures (e.g., indigenous arts, tools, landscapes)
• A short video or audio clip of traditional indigenous storytelling (optional)

Lesson Hook: The Map of Stories

1. Set the Scene
   Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and displaying a world map prominently at the front of the classroom. Explain to the students that they will be embarking on a journey to discover the stories of the First Americans, who were not just the original inhabitants of the land but also its storytellers and keepers of history.

2. Interactive Mapping Activity
   Invite students to come to the map one by one and place a sticky note on a location where they think the First Americans might have lived. Ask them to briefly explain their choices. Was it near rivers, mountains, or plains? What clues led them to their answer? This allows them to engage with the geography of early America and think critically about how environment influenced settlements.

3. Storytelling Warm-Up
   Share a brief excerpt from a traditional indigenous story or an audio clip of a storyteller engaging their audience (if using media). Discuss with the students how stories are powerful tools for sharing history and culture. Ask them to reflect on their own family stories or legends. What histories do they carry with them?

4. Transition to Lessons
   Conclude the introduction by telling students that over the next few lessons, they will explore the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of the First Americans, understanding the deep connections between the land and its original peoples.

Conclusion

Encourage students to think of their sticky note placements as a starting point for their explorations. Ask guiding questions such as, "How did the environment shape the lives of the First Americans?", "What stories do we still hear today?", and "How can we respect and honour these ancient narratives?"

This creatively engaging introduction not only captures students’ interest but also sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the rich and diverse history of the First Americans.